Hannah Gottschalk

What does a photograph have in common with a map?
When is a map useful and do these same properties apply to photographs?

These were two of the questions I asked myself when embarking on my newest project which for the moment – until I feel it is at a more complete stage – remains Untitled.

Just like a map, we use photographs as a navigational tool to make sense of our world and to find our place in it. A map, as well as a photograph is a two dimensional representation of our 3D world. Both can be seen as tools or as objects themselves. They both tell us what is there, but how truthfully do they represent what is in front of us? Neither can recreate what we truly experience, but can only point towards the physical attributes and act as a guide. Of course photography functions on a more emotionally provocative, and maps on a more informative level. Thinking about the similarities and differences of the two are what drive this project forward, both as theory and as the work that springs from it.

To create these images I used a variety of photographic methods, which ranged from straight photography, to scanning and copying processes. I manipulated the maps in different ways, both physically before photographing them, as well as digitally in the editing process.

I look forward to seeing what else I can learn and create throughout this project and hope that the variety of methods used in the process will continue to produce intriguing imagery which pushes the boundaries of photography.